Friday, November 1

FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF

In honor of the life and service of the Village of Somerset Mayor Tom Johnson, Governor DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the Village until sunset on the day of his funeral. Mayor Johnson, 68, died in a crash on Wednesday. He was elected mayor in 2009.

LOCAL MAN IS SENTENCED

A 28-year-old Junction City man was sentenced in federal court to 23 years in prison for sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office Clay Thomas Wolfe solicited child pornography from more than 300 victims via Snapchat. In total, Wolfe received approximately 850 images and 570 videos depicting child pornography. Wolfe was arrested and charged in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in April of this year.

LICKING COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S RACE

Republican Licking County Commissioner Duane Flowers is running for another term in office.

Democrat Bryn Bird is running against Flowers in the November election.

Bird is a current Granville Township Trustee. Republican Commissioner Tim Bubb is running against Democrat James Snedden.

VOTING IS SECURE

As Ohioans prepare to cast their ballots, election officials are emphasizing the integrity of the voting process and addressing concerns about potential misinformation. David Becker from the Center for Election Innovation and Research underscores how misinformation often surfaces post-election.

State officials affirm strict security measures are in place, including voter ID checks and paper ballot backups.

OHIO 161 PROJECT

Today, Governor Mike DeWine and other state officials will celebrate the opening of additional lanes on Ohio 161 in Franklin County. Gov. DeWine directed ODOT to accelerate the widening of Ohio 161 between Interstate 270 and U.S. 62 in anticipation of increased traffic in the area as a result of large-scale economic development projects.

RIBBON CUTTING

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning for the opening of the new Dillon State Park Nature Center and renovated camp store. These improvements offer visitors enhanced services and educational experiences.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

High school football playoff action tonight as Newark travels to Upper Arlington. Kickoff comes your way at 7:00 p.m. on Buckeye Country 107.7, 790 WHTH and KOOL 101.7 FM HD2. You can also listen to the game live online.